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What Happens When You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?

Massage therapy has been around since approximately 3000 B.C. It was first recorded in writing in India and depicted in artwork in Egypt in 2500 BC. At Still Waters Day & Medical Spa in Pensacola, FL, we are proud to offer several types of massages, so we can provide you with the most effective treatment for your needs. Today, we are looking at what happens during a deep tissue massage in Pensacola, who it is appropriate for, and more. Let’s dive in.

 

What Happens When You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?

During a deep tissue massage in Pensacola, we use long, slow, deep strokes to target your connective tissues and the deepest layers of your muscles. These long strokes are great for lengthening tight muscles that were shortened from overuse or wearing heels. You can also expect us to knead your tight muscles if they are knotted from injury.

Like the Swedish massage we offer, this type of massage can relieve inflammation by increasing blood flow in the injured area. However, this type of massage is ideal when you have extreme pain. You will feel your muscles pushing back against the deep pressure used but you can expect to feel relief at the same time as you feel this push-back. The relief is deeper than the relief felt during a Swedish massage.

Which Parts of the Body Can a Deep Muscle Massage Target?

A deep muscle massage can be used to target any part of the body. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome from years of typing or instrument playing with improper form, we can massage your wrists. If you injured your elbow playing tennis, a deep muscle massage can help with that, too.

If stress is causing you pain in your neck and upper back, we can increase your serotonin levels to reduce psychological stress and release the physical tension you are carrying in those areas. We’ve also got your back if you suffer from sciatica. This massage can be used to release tension from your lower back to your thigh. Furthermore, it is a great option for people with tight glutes after an intense squat and lunge routine.

How Is This Type of Massage Different From a Swedish Massage?

The primary difference between deep tissue and Swedish massage is the amount of pressure used during the massage. A Swedish massage also involves the use of long strokes but the strokes are significantly gentler. A Swedish massage is ideal for people who have mild-to-moderate muscle pain caused by poor posture or moderate overwork in the gym, on the field, or at work.

We recommend a Swedish massage if you have moderate pain or you have never had a massage before. While a deep muscle massage is better suited for deeper pain, it is not recommended for someone who has never had a massage. We recommend a hot stone massage, which combines Swedish massage techniques with hot stones for deep muscle relaxation if you have extreme pain and tension.

Who Should a Deep Muscle Massage?

During your consultation, we will discuss your symptoms and goals with you to identify the best type of massage for your needs. As a good general rule of thumb, this may be the appropriate type of massage for you if you are stressed, in pain, have high blood pressure, suffer from arthritis symptoms, have recently injured one of your muscles, have scar tissue, or are pregnant. Here’s a closer look.

 

Individuals Suffering From Stress or Anxiety

If you are suffering from stress or anxiety, you may be the perfect candidate for this type of massage. Whether you are feeling stressed due to an unsupportive partner, a boss who asks you for too much, or an anxiety or panic disorder, this massage may have you feeling better in no time. The great thing about this deep muscle massage is that it lowers cortisol levels and encourages your body to produce oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation.

This may be the perfect massage for you if you are experiencing stress or anxiety and pain simultaneously. The relationship between pain and stress is incredibly vicious. Stress and anxiety can lead to physical pain and tension in the head, neck, shoulders, and back. This pain elevates cortisol levels, causing even more psychological stress. A deep muscle massage can break this cycle, proving relief from both physical and emotional stress.

Individuals Suffering From Chronic Muscle Pain

You may also be considered a good candidate for this type of massage if you suffer from certain types of chronic pain, including chronic muscle pain. Conditions that can be treated safely and effectively with a deep muscle massage include plantar fasciitis, stiff necks caused by cervical dystonia, fibromyalgia and chronic lower back pain.

Muscle pain is caused by muscles that tighten as the result of stress, overuse, injury, or spending a significant amount of time in an uncomfortable position. Medical conditions are another common cause of chronic muscle pain. A deep muscle tissue massage will help to ease your pain by working out the knots and kinks in your muscles. This type of massage is great for chronic muscle pain because it is much more cost-effective than drugs and other medical treatments.

Individuals With Scar Tissue

Scar tissue can cause such symptoms as stiffness and chronic pain. You may be a good candidate for this type of massage if you have scar tissue that is causing uncomfortable symptoms. The pressure applied during this type of massage breaks up the scar tissue. It increases range of motion and flexibility by improving lymphatic circulation. With time, the scar tissue will shrink, improving your appearance and quality of life.

Individuals With High Blood Pressure

Another sign that you are a good candidate for this type of massage is you suffer from hypertension. This type of massage lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure by reducing stress. It also reduces muscle tension which reduces arterial blood pressure. As an added bonus, this type of massage can lower your heart rate and increase happiness by increasing your production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone.

Individuals Who Suffer From Arthritis

This type of massage may be ideal for you if you suffer from arthritis. Regardless of the type of arthritis you suffer from, arthritis can cause the muscles around your arthritic joints to tighten. A deep muscle massage will relax these muscles and ease pain and stiffness. With the reduction in pain and longer muscles, you can improve your range of motion, restore your independence, and help you sleep better.

Individuals With Injured Muscles

If you injure your muscles due to a fall, sports injury, or overuse at work, you may be the perfect candidate for this type of massage. Whether your muscles are twisted or shortened, we can help by untwisting or lengthening your muscles as needed to ease your pain. Another benefit of this treatment is that it releases lactic acid from your muscles. We strongly recommend this type of massage for anyone who wants to treat or prevent DOMS.

Individuals Who Are Pregnant

We strongly encourage you to consider this treatment if you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy. This type of massage has been used to control labor pain but you don’t have to be in labor to experience the relaxing benefits of this treatment. Remember, it increases serotonin which relaxes you physically and psychologically.

We recommend this type of massage for pregnant women because stress during pregnancy increases the likelihood of birth complications. Among these risks is the risk of having a premature baby and the risk of having a low-birthweight baby. Even if you’re not stressed, increasing your happiness and decreasing your stress, blood pressure, heart rate, and aches and pains will do nothing but benefit you and your fetus.

An Important Note

We also offer a motherhood massage for pregnant women who do not feel they need a deep muscle massage. Our special motherhood massage administered by professionals who are educated and trained in prenatal massages is designed to resolve leg, hip, and lower back pain. This type of massage is great for women in the second trimester of pregnancy as the body changes to accommodate the growing fetus.

This type of massage is also effective for the reduction of fatigue. It is perfect for supporting a healthy circulatory system that allows nutrients to be delivered to a growing fetus. Finally, it supports a healthy lymphatic system. We will help you determine which massage is appropriate for you during your first appointment.

Who Shouldn’t Get This Type of Massage?

Typically, people who shouldn’t get deep tissue massage are those who have a family history of dangerous blood clots. If blood clots run in your family, there is a chance that you have a blood clot currently. If there is a blood clot in your body, it should be treated with an anticoagulant, thrombolytic or other method before you consider this type of massage.

You should also not consider this type of massage if you have bone cancer, cancer that has metastasized to your bones, or tumors in your bones that may be cancer. When you come in for your appointment, we will discuss any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with to ensure that the massage you receive is appropriate and safe for you.

Discover if This Type of Massage Is Right for You Today

A deep tissue massage is one of the most common forms of massage. During this type of massage, long, slow, deep strokes are used to break up scar tissue and rehabilitate injured muscles. However, this treatment is not appropriate for everyone, including people with blood clots and bone cancer. To find out if it is right for you, contact us today at Still Waters Day & Medical Spa in Pensacola, FL to schedule an appointment.

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